"Once you know what your system must do to meet the criteria of the FVSS and you have your system ready to be examined by NASED's Independent Test Authorities (ITA), you contact the appropriate test authority for entering the process. Your contacts and contracts are directly between the ITA and your firm. You can save major time and money by having all of your written documentation of design, operations, technical data package, source code, and maintenance manuals developed and thoroughly documented before contacting the ITA."

Editor's Note: Only one company is listed as an Independent Test Authority (ITA) for hardware, Wyle Laboratories. Only one company is listed as an ITA for software, CIBER, Inc. 5-05

"Experts say hybrids pose no more danger than gasoline-powered vehicles—as long as rescue procedures are followed."

"Almeida says hybrids pose no additional danger as long as the rescue procedures outlined in their manuals are followed, starting with ensuring the ignition is shut off and the key removed, which is standard procedure for responders to conventional cars. It is this safety protocol, and the built-in electronic fail-safe measures, that counter the potential threat from a high-voltage system. 'As long as the key is out of the ignition, the car is dead,' Almeida said."

"Rescuers are routinely advised to disable the 12-volt system, in both hybrid and conventional cars, that provides power to the high-voltage system. Cutting the battery cables located under the hood can do this." 01-06